When We Meet Again (31 page)
"Your Highness. " Roman stepped up beside Alexei. "Do you see—"
"Indeed I do, Roman. " Alexei nodded slowly. He directed his words to Pamela, but his gaze remained fixed on the gentleman with her sister. The young man glanced in their direction, said something to Amanda, and started toward them. "If you will excuse me, Pamela, I really should—"
"Alexei. " She laid her hand on his arm. "Who is he?"
"Simply someone I never expected to see here. " A slight smile curved the corners of Alexei's lips, and he watched the stranger approach.
The gentleman was tall, dark-haired, and even more handsome than he had appeared from a distance. It was no wonder Amanda had turned her considerable charms on him. There was something oddly familiar about him as well although if Pamela had met him before, she surely would have remembered. This was not a man one easily forgot.
"Good evening. " The stranger grinned and nodded a greeting. "Your Highness." Who was he?
Alexei's eyes narrowed, but his smile widened. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought it was past time I came to London, especially when I learned you were here. Your sister sends her regards, although I am instructed to tell you she is not at all happy that she had to learn of your impending nuptials through a most indirect, although surprisingly efficient, method involving her mother-in-law, I believe. " He leaned toward Pamela in a confidential manner. "A most annoying woman I can tell you."
His grin was infectious, and she returned his smile. Whoever he was, she rather liked him.
"I wrote to Tatiana when I first arrived in London, but I have not yet written her of this. " Alexei grimaced. "Is she very angry?"
"Furious, " the stranger said with a chuckle. "She would have come to London herself, but she is the size of a cottage. I have never seen a woman quite so enormous. If she does not give birth soon, she will surely explode, and I must confess, I am glad I shall not be around for that." Clarissa stared as if he were a completely foreign creature. Roman grinned, and Pamela tried not to laugh.
Even Alexei looked amused. "I thought you were in Paris?"
"Ah, yes, Paris. Delightful city, but after a while one gets rather bored with all that pleasure. So I thought I would come to England. It has been far too long since I've seen either Tatiana or you. " He turned to Pamela, took her hand and raised it to his lips. "You must be the incomparable Miss Effington."
"Must I?" She raised a brow. "Incomparable?"
"Without a doubt. Only a woman of the utmost charm and character would ever entice His Highness into marriage. " His lips brushed across her hand, his gaze fastened firmly on hers. His dark eyes held a spark of amusement or admiration or both and were surprisingly familiar. Pamela would have sworn she had looked into those eyes before. "Unless, of course, I had seen her first."
"Miss Effington allow me to introduce"—Alexei's smile was wry—"His Royal Highness, Prince Nikolai Pruzinsky."
Prince Nikolai grinned in a most wicked manner. "I am the brother you have no doubt heard spoken of in nothing but glowing phrases."
"Oh nothing but glowing. " Pamela laughed. This prince obviously took after his brother when it came to arrogance, although he had such a roguish, lighthearted air about him he was almost as irresistible as his brother had been six years ago.
Nikolai turned to Alexei, and the brothers embraced. It was obvious they cared a great deal for each other. She wondered if they'd seen each other at all since Alexei's exile. They drew apart and studied one another in the manner of men who have not been together for some time. Assessing and thoughtful, and Pamela suspected each saw far more than the other might wish.
"It is good to see you, little brother. " Genuine affection sounded in Alexei's voice. Nikolai lowered his voice and leaned closer to his brother. "How are you faring, Alexei? Tatiana worries about you, as do I."
"There is no need for worry. I am becoming accustomed to life as it is now. It is"—Alexei shrugged, his smile resigned—"bearable."
Nikolai's gaze shifted to Pamela and back to his brother. "I can see that." He caught sight of Count Stefanovich, and his smile widened. "Roman!"
"Your Highness. " Roman beamed, and the two men clasped hands. "It is good to see you looking so well."
"It appears London agrees with you. " Nikolai's gaze slid to Clarissa. "Dare I guess the reason why?" Roman introduced Clarissa, and Nikolai kissed her hand. The man was remarkably polished, nearly as much so as his brother. He lingered over Clarissa's hand a shade longer than was necessary. It was most effective. Perhaps he was even more practiced than Alexei. Amanda would have to be very careful of this one. Or possibly he would have to be very careful of her.
"And is Dimitri here as well?" Nikolai glanced around the ballroom. "I cannot see him missing a gathering where there are so many lovely women and only Englishmen to appreciate them."
"He is here in London with us, but he is otherwise occupied tonight, " Roman said. Nikolai chuckled. "Of course he would be."
Alexei and Roman exchanged glances.
"It is not exactly what you might think, " Alexei said. "Our lives have become altogether stranger than you can imagine. The reason for Dimitri's absence tonight is one of the more bizarre aspects of life."
"You shall have to tell me everything then. Indeed, we have a great deal to talk about. " Nikolai's tone was light, but an intense gleam shone in his eye.
The oddest feeling of apprehension washed through Pamela.
Alexei studied his brother, his gaze abruptly serious, his tone matching the younger man's. "Later tonight then?"
"Not tonight, brother. " Nikolai shook his head. "Indeed, I had not planned on staying this long. I have made other arrangements for tonight."
"Arrangements?"
Nikolai flashed a wicked grin.
Alexei chuckled.
"But before I go, a word?" Nikolai's gaze met his brother's. Alexei nodded. "Yes, of course."
"The terrace can be extremely private, " Pamela said brightly. Alexei shot her an annoyed glance.
"Excellent. " Nikolai nodded. "Indeed, I have always found terraces to be quite convenient for a quiet word or whatever else one requires privacy for."
"The gardens are better, " Alexei said under his breath.
"Roman, " Nikolai said, "would you be so good as to join us?"
"Certainly, Your Highness. If you will excuse us. " Roman smiled at Clarissa, nodded at Pamela, and started off with Nikolai and Alexei.
"Alexei. " Pamela said without thinking, and reached to touch his arm.
"Yes?" He paused and raised a brow.
"Do be careful."
He smiled, the first genuine smile she'd seen from him since they'd come in from the garden. "I am only going to the terrace, Pamela, although I daresay terraces can be fraught with danger."
"It's silly I know, but"—her gaze met his—"it's nothing more than the strangest feeling that... well I don't know. " She dropped her hand. "I said it was silly."
He hesitated, then took her hand and raised it to his lips. "Nonetheless, concern is always appreciated." Alexei nodded, then followed the others. Pamela watched them make their way through the crowd toward the terrace. An awful nagging feeling of impending doom settled in the pit of her stomach.
"He is a dangerous man, Clarissa. " Pamela lowered her voice and stepped closer to her cousin. They were, after all, in the midst of a rather significant crowd, and she would prefer not to be overheard.
"Prince Nikolai?" Clarissa shook her head. "Dangerously charming I would say. The man looks at you as if you were a sweet he cannot wait to savor. " She paused. "It's most compelling."
"That's not what I mean although I daresay you're right. " Pamela drew her brows together. "There is something about him. I don't know what exactly; I just have the oddest feeling that his presence here does not bode well."
"Pamela. " Clarissa drew a deep breath. "Has His Highness, Prince Alexei that is, told you anything about those final days in Avalonia? After his father's death, when Russia was annexing the country?"
"Not really. " Pamela shook her head. "He's spoken a bit about his father's death but no more than that. He's never talked about giving up his country. I suspect it is too difficult for him."
"Roman told me His Highness was given the choice of remaining as Avalonia's king in a strictly symbolic position—"
"He would have hated that."
"Or exile. Roman says he chose to leave because he feared revolution would always be a possibility if he remained. And his people and his country would pay the price."
"They could never have triumphed against Russia."
"No. " Clarissa shook her head. "It was the only decision possible, indeed, the only way to save Avalonia and its people, but Roman says..."
"Yes?" Pamela held her breath.
"Even now it weighs heavily on His Highness. He is torn with regret that he did not choose to fight against the Russians."
"He had no choice. " Pamela stared. "It would have been a slaughter. Russia defeated Napoleon. Avalonia would have been no more than a minor annoyance."
The horror of what could have happened took her breath away. Alexei, Stefanovich, Petrov, and countless Avalonians, including, no doubt, children and women, would have been killed. The country itself would have been destroyed. Russia was renowned for its intolerance of rebellion of any kind. The realization of the dreadful decision Alexei had made tore at her heart.
"Love can lead you to do what is right for whatever it is that holds a place in your heart. But thecost is great, and payment is taken from your very soul. "
"He has never talked about it, but then why would he?" Pamela shook her head. "After all, our engagement is nothing but an act. He does not truly intend to spend his life with me."
"Perhaps, " Clarissa said slowly, "the regret he carries is why he does not wish to marry."
"And perhaps he needs me more than he knows. " She raised a brow. "Is that speculation on your part or have you discov—"
"No, " Clarissa said firmly then smiled. "Not yet. " She sobered. "Pamela, you should know as well that Nikolai did not agree with his brother's decision."
"He is young and probably quite reckless and—"
"Alexei was forced to send him away for fear he would rally an army and lead it against Russia."
"Alexei was right. " An icy hand of dread griped Pamela's heart. "It would have been futile. Nothing short of madness."
Or suicide. The word lodged in her mind.
"Indeed it would have, " Clarissa said. "But it is over and done with now. Nikolai may well still disagree with Alexei's actions, but what can be done now? There is probably nothing to be concerned about at all. Besides, it is entirely to be expected that Nikolai would come to join his brother with no more intention than the reuniting of his family."
"You're right, of course. " Pamela forced a smile. "The only danger Nikolai presents is to those ladies foolish enough to succumb to the invitation in his eyes."
"Or the broad stretch of his shoulders, " Clarissa said, with an amused smile. Pamela laughed. "The polished charm of his words."
Clarissa joined her, then smoothly turned the topic of the discussion to the blatant flirtation, or perhaps seduction, taking place across the room between a rather notorious, and long-wed, countess and an equally long-married, and not at all to be trusted, lord. It was but one of any number of interesting scenes being played out around the room and no doubt on the terrace as well.
"Pamela, my dear, I heard you were here."
Pamela turned to find another relative she had not yet greeted. A moment later she was engaged in a conversation about something altogether meaningless that she nonetheless pretended had her full attention. Even so, she kept a close eye on the doors to the terrace. Pamela could well see she was jumping to absurd conclusions based on nothing more than an odd sense of impending doom. In truth, she had nothing of substance to base even that feeling on. It was the height of absurdity to think Nikolai's appearance was anything but innocent. Still, Pamela couldn't escape the feeling that something was very, very wrong.
"Dare I ask what you are thinking?" Roman said.
Alexei leaned his forearms on the stone balustrade, clasped his hands together, and stared out into the night. "It was good to see my brother again. It has been far too long." Nikolai had taken his leave a scant few moments ago. Their talk had been brief. A prelude, nothing more.
"He looks well. " Roman paused. "However, that was not what I meant."
"I know. " Alexei shook his head slowly. "I am not sure what to think."
"Surely Your Highness, you can't—"
"I do not know, " he said sharply, then blew a long breath. "I am sorry, old friend, I should not take my frustration out on you."
"No apologies are needed, Your Highness. " Roman paused for a moment. His words were measured.
"We have been down this road before."
"I told Nikolai I would hear him out, and I intend to do so. After that. " After that... what? "I have no idea what he intends to say."
"No, of course not, Your Highness."
"You could say that as though you truly believed it, Roman."
"I could, " Roman said slowly. "Although it would be a lie."
"We shall see tomorrow."
Roman did not answer, but his silence said a great deal.
"Now, what are you thinking, Roman?"
"I do not believe you would like it, Your Highness."
Alexei chuckled without humor. "I do not expect to."
"Very well. " Roman paused as if choosing his words carefully. Not that it mattered. Alexei knew full well what his advisor, his friend would no doubt say. "I think, Your Highness, it is most unfair."
"Unfair?" Alexei glanced at the other man in surprise. "What do you mean unfair?" Roman drew a deep breath. "It does not seem fair that a man should have to choose to have his heart torn out twice in the same lifetime."
Alexei was silent for a long moment.
"Your Highness?"
"Someone once said to me, " Alexei said slowly, "that much in life is unfair. That we cannot always have what we want. I disregarded it at the time. It had no meaning for me then, as I had always had everything I had ever wanted. I had never imagined life would be any other way, not really. " He shrugged. "But it is and is it unfair? Perhaps. Still, such is the way of the world we live in."
"Rather a pity I think."
"It is simply life. It forces you to make the choices you must make whether you wish to or not. " Alexei searched for the right words. "One makes the decisions one does in life for the good of all concerned. For their lives or their happiness or their survival but always to their benefit whether they appreciate it or not. Indeed, they may well hate you for it. Still, it is your responsibility, and it carries a great weight." Roman nodded. "The responsibility of rule."
"Not at all, old friend. " Alexei blew a long breath. "The responsibility of love."
It was going to be a very long night. No, it had already been a very long night. Pamela lay in her bed and stared unseeing at the ceiling somewhere in the dark shadows above. The remainder of the ball had been most disquieting. When Alexei had returned from his talk with his brother he, and Roman as well, had been preoccupied and reticent to say much of anything of substance. Alexei was polite, of course, and eminently proper, but she had the distinct impression that his thoughts were far away in a beloved country and a time not so very long ago.
Alexei's behavior was not her only concern. She had caught sight of George too often for comfort. At times the man was but a few steps away. And each and every time she had seen him he had been staring at her with a speculative look in his eye. It was disconcerting and might well be a bit frightening if George had been something other than the fool he was. Still, he was to be avoided. She turned on her side and cradled her head in her arms. Even the ride home was silent, fraught with unstated concerns and unease. Tension hung so thick in the carriage Pamela wondered if a word said aloud would cause visible ripples in the air like a stone in water. Alexei had retired immediately upon their return, and Pamela had gone to her own rooms a few moments later, leaving Clarissa and Stefanovich to bid one another good night in private.
What had happened on the terrace with Nikolai? What had he said to his brother? It was important, she was certain of it. Regardless of his silence, she could see something preyed on Alexei's mind. Even perhaps on his heart. And it terrified her.
Clarissa might know. Pamela sat up. Roman had already confided in her. Indeed, he had told her far more than Alexei had ever revealed to Pamela. Of course, Stefanovich had probably revealed his feelings to Clarissa as well, or at least did not hide them as thoroughly as Alexei seemed to. Pamela refused to so much as consider the possibility that Alexei might not have feelings for her. She saw it in his eyes and knew it as well somewhere in the very depths of her soul.
She flung off the covers, slid out of bed, and grabbed her wrapper. She had it no more than halfway on when she reached the door and stepped into the hall. While it was unlikely that anyone would be about at this late, or rather, this early, an hour, it was best to be cautious. Pamela slipped quietly down the dark hall to Clarissa's room, knocked softly, and waited. Her cousin had never been a sound sleeper. A few moments later she tried again with a somewhat firmer knock. She would give Clarissa another moment or two.
"Who is it, " a hushed voice sounded from the other side of the door.
"It's me, " Pamela said as quietly as possible. Who was it indeed? "Pamela." Clarissa paused. "What do you want?"
"I must speak with you. Open the door."
"Why?"
"It's important."
Again there was a pause. "Very well."
The door opened just enough for Clarissa to slip into the corridor. She held her wrapper together with one hand and pulled the door closed behind her with the other. "What is it?"
"Did the count tell you what Nikolai wanted tonight?"
"No. " Clarissa sighed. "Is that all?"
"Well, there is more, of course, but that seems to be the most important question at the moment. Did I wake you?"
"No. Or rather yes, " Clarissa said quickly.
"I am sorry, but I simply cannot sleep. There are far too many questions and concerns swimming in my head. May I come in for a bit?"
"No, " Clarissa said firmly Pamela frowned. "Why not?"
"Because you can't. Because it's... it's very late. Yes, that's it. It's very late, and I'm very tired."
"Don't be silly. We have chatted together in the middle of the night like this any number of occasions. This is absolutely no different."
"Regardless, I—"
At once realization dawned. Pamela sucked in a sharp breath. "Good Lord, you're not alone, are you?" Clarissa heaved a sigh of surrender. "No, I am not alone." Pamela stared and wished she could better make out Clarissa's expression. She knew her cousin and the count were on this path, and as much as she thought Clarissa had been far too long without a man in her bed, it was still somewhat shocking to realize her perfectly proper cousin had at last given in to temptation. Shocking and quite delightful.
Pamela grinned. "I should probably go then."
"Yes, you probably should."
"Say, while you have him in this... position—"
"Pamela!"
"It's the perfect opportunity to ask about Venice and Alexei's attitude about marriage." Clarissa huffed. "I hardly think so."
"Still—"
"Still, I shall do what I can, but not at this particular moment. Now"—Clarissa opened the door just wide enough to allow her to slip back into her room—"I am returning to my bed, and I suggest you do the same. " She started to close the door.
"Clarissa?"
Clarissa sighed. "What is it now?"
"Was it wonderful?"
"Yes!" Clarissa hissed. "Now go away. " The door snapped closed behind her. A slow grin spread across Pamela's face. Clarissa well deserved to find happiness, and Pamela had no doubt her happiness lay with the count. She would not be at all surprised if they announced their intention to wed in the morning, or at least very soon.
Of course, everyone's happiness might well depend on Nikolai. Pamela's smile faded. Her own speculation was probably absurd. She really knew nothing at all about Alexei's brother save what little Count Stefanovich had told Clarissa. It could well be, with the passage of time, he, too, had accepted the loss of Avalonia. Alexei's serious demeanor after their meeting might have nothing to do with anything remotely dangerous but something distinctly personal. Perhaps a problem with their sister or another relative?
Still, Pamela had never had a feeling of apprehension quite like this before, and she could not ignore it. And there was one person who might be able to give her some answer as to Nikolai's intentions. She drew a deep breath and started down the hall toward the far end of the house. She reached what she thought was the right door and noticed a faint light coming from under the doorway. Good. At least she wouldn't be disturbing anyone else. She knocked quietly, waited a few moments, then knocked again.
The door opened abruptly. Valentina stood in the doorway, clad in only a sheet wrapped around her. Even in the faint light from the candle or lamp or whatever it was she had burning in her room she looked distinctly annoyed and really rather menacing.
"What do you want?" the princess snapped.
Pamela took a step back. "Could I speak to you for a moment?"
"Could you what? Now?" Valentina's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"Because you're the only one who might have the information I need."
"Really?" Valentina leaned against the doorway and studied her curiously. "In the middle of the night?" Pamela shrugged. "I couldn't sleep."
Valentina smiled in a wicked manner. "I do not seem to be getting a great deal of sleep myself."
"There must be something in the air tonight. I..."
Valentina chuckled.
Pamela winced. "You are not alone are you?"
"No."
Pamela stared. "It's not... surely it isn't... it can't possibly be... is it Captain Petrov?" Valentina cast a glance over her shoulder. "Why, indeed it is."
"I thought you hated him."
"Oh, I do."
"And I thought he disliked you as well."
"He detests me."
"Then I don't understand."
"My dear Pamela, that is what makes it all so very exciting. Passion is passion. I despise him, and he cannot abide me. The passion of our distaste for one another is precisely what makes relations between us absolutely glorious. " She sighed in a distinctly satisfied manner. "I may have to keep him."
"I see, " Pamela said slowly.
Valentina laughed. "You do not."
"Perhaps not. " She smiled reluctantly.
"Did you want something then? Or are middle-of-the-night visits some sort of obscure English custom?" Valentina stifled a yawn. "If so, I do not find it the least bit charming."
"Prince Nikolai is here."
"Here? In the house?"
"No, he was at the ball. " Pamela paused. "He spoke with Alexei and the count. I believe they have another meeting tomorrow."
"I see, " Valentina said slowly. There was a murmured question from somewhere behind her. "Do be quiet, Petrov."